LEINSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP
Daire Walsh
They played their part in an outstanding spectacle in Blessington on Tuesday, but Coláiste Eoin ultimately suffered an extra-time defeat at the hands of Knockbeg College in the Leinster Schools Junior ‘A’ Football Championship semi-final.
Following their county final success over Maynooth SS, the Gaelscoil carried momentum into this provincial affair. In addition to Luke Breathnach and Mikey Mac Mathúna efforts, Oisín Ó Gradaigh bagged a goal to give Eoin a three point advantage on the half-hour mark.
Cormac Ó Duibhir provided a solid base for the Metropolitan outfit in defence, while Liam Ó Fiachna was an imposing figure throughout at midfield. Knockbeg grew in confidence as the play developed, however.
In a second half that ebbed and flowed, Luc Mac an Bháird contributed a 0-2 salvo to ensure Eoin remained alive at the end of normal time. Though it appeared to be anyone’s game at this point, Knockbeg responded with a goal blitz in the additional periods.
Even though Coláiste Eoin continued to battle until the bitter end, their opponents eventually claimed a 5-15 to 2-15 triumph. At Russell Park on the same day, Salesian College, Celbridge had the measure of Castleknock CC in their Dublin Schools Senior ‘B’ Football Championship semi-final clash.